Meals on Wheels Erie

Since 1971, Meals on Wheels Erie has been a lifeline for homebound seniors, veterans in need, and adults with disabilities; delivering not just nutritious meals and groceries, but also connection, compassion, and peace of mind. As Erie’s original Meals on Wheels provider, we’ve proudly served the community for over five decades with the help of a devoted team of volunteers who are the heart of our mission.

Every day, we fight the growing issue of senior hunger and isolation in Erie County. Many of our neighbors face limited access to nutritious food due to age, disability, or illness, often accompanied by loneliness and anxiety. Right now, 1 in 4 Americans is age 60 or older, and that number is rising daily. Among them, 29% have a disability, 24% live alone, and 12% are veterans. Many face serious financial hardship: 1 in 2 seniors living alone can’t afford basic needs, and 12 million older adults are struggling to age at home safely. Our clients rely on us to stay healthy, nourished, and independent in the place they feel safest: their homes. Each visit from a volunteer offers a warm smile, a wellness check, and the opportunity to alert loved ones if something isn’t right.

Meals on Wheels Erie currently offers five essential programs:

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  Private Pay Meals for those 60+

  
  


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  Meals for those under 60 and Permanently Disabled

  
  


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  Waiver Meals through UPMC Community Health Choices

  
  


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  Veterans In Need Program 

  
  


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  Grocery Shopping & Delivery Program

  
  

All meals are freshly prepared, healthy, ready-to-heat, and delicious. In 2024 alone, we delivered over 70,000 meals - an increase of 12,000 from the previous year - and completed more than 600 grocery shopping trips for those unable to shop on their own. That’s an average of 205 meals delivered every single day across Erie County. Did you know that it costs just $2,300 to feed a senior or veteran for an entire year — far less than a single day in the hospital or 10 days in a nursing home.

As Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman shares:

"Fighting hunger and delivering healthy food to the doorsteps of our homebound neighbors is our primary mission, but we deliver so much more than a meal. Our volunteers provide the vital social connection that helps our clients thrive and remain independent. Without our 100+ dedicated volunteers, and the generous support of donors like you, we couldn’t continue to do what we do."

On August 12th, your Erie Gives Day donation can make a powerful difference. It helps us expand services, meet the growing demand, and ensure that no one in our community is left behind.

Join us in delivering more than a meal - help us deliver hope, dignity, and connection.